What is a dermatologic surgeon?

Part of a progressive medical subspecialty, ASDS member dermatologists perform medically necessary and cosmetic procedures to improve the health, function and beauty of skin through every stage of life.

From forehead furrows to frown lines…

Performing more than 5 million cosmetic procedures each year, ASDS member dermatologists offer many treatments that are less intense, safer and have quicker recovery times than ever before.

1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year

Any suspicious new growths or changes should be examined by a dermatologist immediately. ASDS member dermatologists are trained to select the best treatment choice based on the individual patient.

The results are from the 2014 ASDS Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures. More than 8,300 consumers provided opinions on cosmetic treatments in general and ratings for 10 specific procedures. Chemical peels and body sculpting ranked next on the list of procedures being considered.

Three of the top four treatments involve lasers, light, ultrasound and radiofrequency devices.

“Dermatologic surgeons are – and have been – at the forefront in developing laser, light and energy-based treatments,” said ASDS President-Elect George J. Hruza, MD. “Devices and protocols have improved significantly in the past few years, making these minimally or non-invasive procedures we perform safer and more effective than ever.”

Both laser resurfacing to smooth wrinkles and skin-tightening via high-frequency ultrasound have become safer and typically produce good results, he said. “I would hypothesize that’s one of the reasons both are top treatments under consideration,” he said.

Technological advances likewise have improved the results of laser and light treatments for redness, skin tone and scars, and of laserlipolysis – a procedure to remove stubborn pockets of localized fat and tighten overlying skin. Body sculpting options also include cryolipolysis (known as “fat-freezing”), tumescent liposuction and other non-invasive treatments.

ASDS member dermatologists performed 175,000 body contouring treatments in 2013, with laserlipolysis in particular showing dramatic gains. “Patients are concerned about excess body fat for both health and image reasons,” said ASDS President Mitchel P. Goldman, MD. “It’s by far the No. 1 concern according to our survey. We have the tools to address that issue, and patients increasingly seek our expertise.”

Consumers also are considering chemical peels, in which dermatologic surgeons remove the outer layer of facial skin to reveal smoother, rejuvenated skin. ASDS members performed 517,000 chemical peels in 2013.

“Chemical peels have been a staple in fighting the effects of aging, sun damage and other imperfections for decades,” said Dr. Goldman. “Though the treatment generally is being eclipsed by the newer laser, light and energy treatments, many patients still opt for peels. They frequently are one of a patient’s first procedures because of the familiarity factor.”

Dr. Goldman recommends consumers consider a provider’s expertise carefully when pondering cosmetic skin procedures. Dermatologic surgeons are the experts in the health, beauty and function of the skin and have extensive training and education, he said.

“ASDS member dermatologists pioneered the research and development of many of today’s most effective skin procedures,” he said. “We are the logical choice.”

ASDS is recognized as the premier specialty group representing dermatologists performing all procedures – cosmetic, general, reconstructive and Mohs. ASDS members are experts in treating skin and soft tissue with surgical and non-surgical methods.